Michigan coronavirus cases, deaths rise again but slowly

The number of new coronavirus cases in Michigan again rose slowly and was just slightly ahead of the previous day’s figure, the state health department reported Saturday.

Meanwhile, deaths attributed to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, grew by 81, or 3%, to 2,308, but were down from the number of new deaths reported Friday.

Hospitals and public officials have been encouraged by the trend in Michigan, although stay-at-home orders and business restrictions remain in place. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said some rules could change on May 1.

The state reported 30,791 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, up 768, or 2%, over Friday. The health department said at least 3,237 people have recovered since March, a statistic that is reported each Saturday.

At least 17 people in Michigan prisons have died, including a 60-year-old man who was close to being released on parole . William Garrison had spent nearly 44 years in prison for murder.

(Image Credit: AP)